LIGHT

This function allows the user to simulate the real color of parts according to light conditions in eta/DYNAFORM. An object itself is not luminous, and it is usually illuminated by three types of light: Ambient, Diffuse and Specular. The light source is formed by various lights with different intensity and none of them is purely formed by one type of light.

 

l         POSITION

    This function enables the user to uniformly move a light source direction with a consistent intensity. The dialog box is shown in Figure 14.3.1. The right and left arrow buttons are utilized to move the light source in the positive and negative X-direction, respectively. The up and down arrow buttons are utilized to move the light source in the positive and negative Y-direction, respectively.

Figure 14.3.1  The Light Source dialog box.

 

l         AMBIENT

The ambient light does not come from a specific direction. It comes from a light source, but the light reflects everywhere in the room or scene, without direction. For the object illuminated by ambient light, the surfaces along all directions are illuminated evenly. The user can control the intensity of ambient light using slider on the interface.

 

l         DIFFUSE

Diffuse light comes from a specific direction and is reflected evenly on a surface. However, the object surface directly illuminated by the light is still brighter than the surfaces swept by light from a certain angle. The user can control the intensity of diffuse light using slider on the interface.

 

l         SPECULAR

Similarly to diffuse light, the specular light also has direction. Its reflection angle is very sharp and is along a specific direction. High intensity specular light tends to form a bright spot (speckle) on the illuminated surface. The user can control the intensity of specular light using slider on the interface.